spy

The Michigan congressman who heads the House Intelligence committee won't comment on new complaints about alleged U.S. spying.

France and Germany are angry at reports the U.S. bugged the offices of the European Union. The allegations are tied to the recent leaks from a former National Security Agency staffer.

Brighton Congressman Mike Rogers chairs the House Intelligence committee. He says he cannot comment on “any ongoing operation," but he defends the collection of military and other intelligence overseas.

DETROIT (AP) - The family of a former Marine detained in Iran for nearly two years says he's finally receiving visits from an uncle there and has been able to send letters to immediate family members in the United States.

The Flint Journal reports Amir Hekmati's family holds out hope the developments could signal some movement toward the 29-year-old's release and eventual return to Michigan.

Sarah Hekmati says the letters are "the first time he's been directly able to express his thoughts." Hekmati's family says he went to Iran in 2011 to visit his grandmothers.

A small crowd gathered on the Mott Community College campus last night in Flint.

They were there to show support for a local man held in Iran on charges he is a spy for the CIA.

Friends and family of Amir Hekmati took part in the candlelight vigil. Hekmati was arrested on spying charges a year ago. A U.S. Marine veteran, Hekmati was visiting his grandmother and other relatives in Iran, when he was arrested.